NEWS
My Late Husband Declined Ponzhi Tarok Stool– Widow of Gen Domkat Bali
Mrs Esther Bali, the widow of Gen. Domkat Bali, says contrary to falsehood surrounding the Ponzhi Tarok stool, her husband declined to be made the traditional ruler of the community. She disclosed this at a public presentation of the Book “Gen Domkat Yah Bali As Ponzhi Tarok Designate: A Contextual Analysis of the Imbroglio, 1990-2020 on Sunday night in Abuja.
The widow said that the book was meant to set the record straight regarding the falsehood and rumours on the stool, in the build up to the deceased selection and appointment as Ponzhi Tarok designate.
“The book is sequel to my discussion with a respected elder statesman who is in the know regarding the false rumours that were circulated regarding my husband which he brought to my attention.“The privileged information greatly motivated me to set the record straight for historical benefit of the present and succeeding generations,” she said.She said that the backdrop of the development was characterised by all sorts of rumours, lies, deceit among others, adding that Nigerians must always keep record to help document the truth. “As a realist, my husband initially declined their offer to be Ponzhi Tarok with humility and all sense of responsibility bearing in mind his declining health condition.” Bali said the deceased admitted that his health would not enable him to execute effectively the duties of the occupant of the Ponzhi Tarok stool. She said that the husband however presented the Tarok kingmakers with an alternative candidate, whom he could vouch for, but was rejected in their wisdom insisting on his selection.
“As they insisted, the Plateau government published a new gazette, which did not follow due process in order to install him but the installation was not possible until his death.” She said that due to two restraining court orders, he followed the due process and informed the Plateau government of his desired to resign which they accepted officially. The widow said, thereafter, he immediately and honourably relinquished the position, while urging the government to begin the process that would lead to the emergence of Ponzhi Tarok.
Prince Adewale Adebayo, who presented the book to the public, said that the book was a continuation of the life of Gen. Domkat Bali, adding that he lived as a poet, “and there was no ambiguity for Gen Bali”. Adebayo said that though the book “is small but it’s about principle and justice”, adding, “when you do justice, even a poor country will live in peace.” He however bought 2000 copies, adding that he would take a cue from it to also set some records straight in his community. Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, retired Air Comdr Dan Suleiman, said the book was important because it gave the true version of what transpired during the imbroglio. Suleiman, who was a former military governor of Plateau, said the account of the event needed to be told because of the controversy that trailed it. “The general took everything in his stride; through the confusion, he held his head high, even if it dragged his name to the mud.” He has always stood for truth, justice and integrity, and I am very privileged to be the chairman of this occasion,” he said.
Bali, who died in Dec. 5, 2020, at the age of 80, would have been 82 on Jan. 27, and he was remembered at the event. Dignitaries present included representative of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, former military president, Mrs Victoria Gowon, Mother of the Day, retired Lt.-Gen. Jerry Oseni, Dr Jerry Gana, former Information Minister, retired Vice-Admiral, Murtala Nyako, former Governor of Adamawa. (NAN)
NEWS
LG polls: Nasarawa APC Announces Chairmanship Candidates
Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced its chairmanship candidates for the Nov. 2, local government councils election in the state.
Mr Tanimu Adamson, Chairman of the party’s primary elections committee, announced the names of successful candidates, submitting the report of the exercise to the party’s state executive on Friday in Lafia.
Adamson explained that the party’s flag bearers emerged through consensus as agreed by the party, in line with article 20 of its constitution.
He listed the names of the successful chairmanship candidates for the 13 LGAs to include Safiyanu Isa for Akwanga, Umar Dan-Akano, Awe, Jonathan Addra, Doma, Abubakar Madaki, Karu, and Adamu Aboki, Keana.
Others are Idris Damagani, Keffi, Bitrus Agbawu, Kokona, Mohammed Ahmed, Nasarawa, Iliya Aliyu, Nassarawa-Eggon, Isa Sani, Obi, Murtala Danmadami, Toto and Ezekiel Jaga, Wamba respectively.
He said that the emergence of the consensus candidates followed a painstaking consultation and resolution by stakeholders of the party and the candidates.
Adamson said that the party’s councillorship candidates for 147 electoral wards had also emerged through consensus.
Receiving the report, Aliyu Bello, APC State Chairman, appreciated the committee members for their sacrifice and for delivering on their mandate within the stipulated time.
He expressed satisfaction with the caliber of persons that emerged as candidates of the party.
He, therefore, expressed optimism that the party would win the election in all the area councils, given the quality of its candidates.
Report says that APC at a stakeholders meeting on Oct. 7, fixed October 14 and 16 for councillorship and chairmanship primaries.
The party at the meeting also adopted a consensus method to produce their candidates for the LGAs and electoral wards, respectively. (NAN).
NEWS
Kebbi Sets up Committee to Retrieve Stolen Orphans’ Funds
Kebbi Government has constituted a committee to recover money fraudulently removed from the individual accounts of orphans out of the N2.1 billion funds disbursed by the World Muslim League.
Report says that on Oct. 10, the League disbursed N2.1 billion to 1,849 orphans in the state through bank transfer to cater for their upbringing.
Report gathers that some guardians entrusted with managing the money have engaged in fraudulent activity by shortchanging those under their care.
Briefing newsmen on the development in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Aliyu, said Gov. Nasir Idris, had directed the immediate recovery of the money in full and return it to the rightful owners.
“The governor has high compassion for orphans, he is up to the task, he therefore, charged the committee to do the needful, to ensure thorough investigation.
“We contacted the banks that disbursed the funds but they informed us that the fraudulent acts were perpetrated using Point of Sale (POS) terminals not the conventional banking channels.
“But we are sounding a word of caution, any bank discovered to be involved in the removal of the orphans’ money, government will formally write a letter of complaint to the headquarters of such bank for appropriate action,” he warned.
Sani-Aliyu vowed that the present administration would not fold its arms to allow some unscrupulous guardians of orphans to cheat the orphans.
“Kebbi Government is immensely appreciative to the World Muslim League for its magnanimity and for disbursing such colossal amount of money to orphans in the state.
“The Nigeria’s Regional Office of the League in Kaduna has been notified about what is happening in Kebbi, and the office has pledged full cooperation to the funds’ recovery efforts.
“The Recovery Committee is headed by my humble self, two other Commissioners, two Special Advisers and two Permanent Secretaries,” the commissioner said. (NAN)
NEWS
ACCI Inaugurates Golf Networking Initiative
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has inaugurated novel networking initiative aimed at fostering business connections through golf.
Dr Emeka Obegolu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and President of the Chamber, said this at a B2B meeting and cocktail event organised by the ACCI in Abuja.
Obegolu stressed the importance of achieving a balance between work and personal life, particularly in light of Nigeria’s rising health concerns and sudden deaths.
He advocated for golf as a means to enhance social interactions among entrepreneurs, providing a relaxed environment to discuss business opportunities.
“We are here today to bring businessmen together with the Gulf community, appreciating the eminent businessmen within this community who may not yet be members of the Chamber of Commerce.
“Our message centres on balancing work-life, primarily due to the rate of sudden deaths we are facing in the country today.
“We aim to introduce golf to the business community, providing a platform for networking, exchanging opportunities, and contacts.”
According to Obegolu, the IBB Golf Course, a premier destination, offers an ideal backdrop for networking and forging valuable connections.
He reiterated the chamber’s commitment to promoting ease of doing business in Nigeria, urging support from the Abuja business community.
Obegolu also called on the FCT administration to improve infrastructure at the Idu Industrial District to make Abuja a truly industrial city.
He said more than 110 participants have registered for the golf tournament scheduled for October 19, with more expressing interest.
“”The tournament will culminate in an evening ceremony with awards and prizes.”
Dr James Agbonhese, Vice Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, commended the ACCI initiative, highlighting golf’s values of honour and integrity.
“Golf requires sincerity, which is equally essential in business to achieve success without litigation, disagreement, or problems,” Agbonhese said.
He welcomed the partnership between golf and business, looking forward to future events.(NAN)